John Boyega: Star Wars actor says he was trained as an actor by Mike Bamiloye

John Boyega speaks on his Nollywood background and how he got training from Mike Bamiloye and Grace Bamiloye.

John Boyega has revealed that he took acting lessons from Gospel movie actor and producer Mike Bamiloye.

Boyega said this after the special screening of "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" at IMAX Cinemas on Monday, December 25, 2017.

His Nollywood Background

During a brief Q&A session with members of the audience, John Boyega said he was raised on Nollywood movies especially Mike Bamiloye films.

"I grew up Nigerian movies, especially Mount Zion movies, 'Ayamatanga' and all the rest of them," he said.

Boyega also revealed he got training from Mike Bamiloye and his wife Gloria Bamiloye. "I actually did training with Mike Bamiloye and Gloria Bamiloye when they were in the United Kingdom" he revealed.

Switch To Secular Movies

The Star Wars actor said he initially thought he would only act in spiritually based movies but decided to switch to secular later on.

"I thought because of my religious background, I would specifically go for a market that was based in spirituality," Boyega said, "but then I would realize that wasn't for me so I went secular."

ALSO READ: The Last Jedi rakes in $450.8m at the box office worldwide

His Nigerian Upbringing

Apart from Mount Zion movies, John Boyega also watched a lot of Nollywood movies from some of its biggest actors.

"And the first movies that we watched were from Genevieve (Nnaji), I think "Blood Sisters". Then we started watching Rita Dominic and Aki & Pawpaw movies" he said.

"The fact is when your parents are Nigerian, it doesn't matter where you are. When you get into your house you are in Lagos" he further said.

The Impact of Mount Zion Movies On Nollywood

Mike Bamiloye is the founder of Mount Zion Drama Ministry and Mount Zion Television established in 1990. In the early 90s, Mike Bamiloye and his wife Gloria Bamiloye would star in gospel movies and TV series, many which turned out to smash hits.

Some of Mount Zion's classics include 'The Beginning of the End', 'Agbara Nla (Ultimate Power)', and 'Just A Little Sin'. The success of Mount Zion movies would go on to influence the genre of spiritual thrillers in Nollywood.

Star Wars: The Last Jedi

Star Wars: The Last Jedi is currently in cinemas and John Boyega reprises his role as Finn, a storm trooper who deserted the First Order and defected to The Resistance.